AllyQuest

AllyQuest Gamified Simulation

Overview

In collaboration with Hate Is A Virus, my team at Minerva University developed AllyQuest, a gamified simulation promoting allyship and empathy for the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) community. This interactive experience places users in real-world scenarios where they can select actions to support individuals facing discrimination, encouraging empathy and actionable understanding. As the lead designer, I created the entire user interface, ensuring that our platform was intuitive, visually engaging, and accessible.

Challenge

The project addressed a critical question: How might we support families and communities in fostering empathy and open conversations on sensitive topics like racism and social justice? Recognizing the need for allyship to be both actionable and reflective, we designed a platform that could effectively guide users through these complex scenarios while remaining engaging and approachable. Additionally, we understood from our partners that they did not require a stand-alone app but rather an easily accessible digital activity that could seamlessly integrate into workshops. With this in mind, I chose to design AllyQuest on Adobe XD, enabling access through a shareable link that functions like an app without requiring downloads or installations.

My Role

I led the design aspect exclusively, from initial low-fidelity sketches to final high-fidelity prototypes. I focused on ensuring the UI was engaging and that multimedia elements, such as animated characters and sound options, enhanced user immersion. My teammates supported the project by conducting research, developing scenarios, and implementing feedback.

Process

To bring AllyQuest to life, I employed a user-centered design approach, iterating and refining each element with insights gathered from user testing and partner feedback. Key design processes included:

• Design Thinking and Successive Approximation: Through iterative prototyping, I refined each UI element to enhance user engagement and usability.
• Accessibility through Adobe XD: By building the design on Adobe XD, I made AllyQuest accessible via a link that participants could use like an app in workshops, meeting our partner's needs for ease of use and accessibility.
• Multimedia Integration: I incorporated animated characters, thoughtful color schemes, and interactive UI elements to keep users immersed in the experience.
• Scoring and Reflection Systems: My teammates developed a reflection and scoring mechanism, allowing users to receive feedback on their choices to reinforce ally behaviors.

Solution

The final product presents users with six structured scenarios, each exploring different facets of discrimination or allyship. After each scenario, users receive personalized reflections and scores, designed to encourage thoughtful consideration of allyship. AllyQuest serves both as an educational tool for workshops and as a stand-alone activity for independent learning.

Outcome

The final prototype, AllyQuest, successfully engages users in understanding the nuances of allyship, supporting Hate Is A Virus’s mission to dismantle racism and promote inclusivity. Our project culminated in a well-received presentation at the Minerva Symposium, inspiring further conversations on allyship and empathy.

Check out the interactive prototype here